[marlon]

Ok guys, I see it's ok to post about third party lenses, so let me hit it off.
I am tired of struggling with add on convertor lenses to get 1:1 macro's done.

I am looking at two of the Sigma Macro's:
The 105mm ->Sigma - Lenses

and the 70mm ->Sigma - Lenses

For the 70mm they mention that it is usable as a normal lens to, focussing to inifnity etc, but not for 105mm, does this mean the 105 is MACRO only?

Also, for those owning one of these, please share some opinions, I am really strapped for budget here, and Im confused, and not sure why the 70 is $100 more expensive than the 105mm.

I hope that someone could provide some input on this matter.

Regards
Marlon

[leadbelly]

I have the 105 and I love it. The focus is slow, but I am very very pleased with its IQ. The 70, they say has better IQ, but ever so slightly that it is negligible... maybe this is why it costs more?

[Peter Zack]

I also have the 105mm and love the lens. IQ is great (I also have the FA50mm f2.8 macro which is slightly better but not much). With the focus limiter on the focus speed is fine when using the lens as a tele. It will focus to infinity just fine. Solid build and a very nice lens for working distance etc.

[jsherman999]

.

Both are good - the 70 is a bit newer design, which may contribute to the
price difference. I own the 70, and I love it.

Here are some images and discussions about the 70.

Here's a quote from a popphoto review.:

IN THE LAB: Our optical-bench SQF tests confirmed what our source at Sigma in Japan confided: This is probably the sharpest lens in the current Sigma lineup. SQF numbers showed sharpness and contrast in the Excellent range, with noticeably better performance, especially at higher magnification, than, for example, Canon's recently tested (and superb) 60mm EF-S 1:1 lens. In fact, the Sigma is one of only a handful of lenses today that pulls down SQF numbers within the 90th percentile all the way out to our maximum magnification (20x24 inches).

.

[tomtor]

I have the 105 and I'm very pleased with it, althoughl it is currently in warranty repair because my K10 does not always detect the lens. Cleaning contacts did not help.

The 70 is even sharper, but also bigger and heavier I believe.

If this is your first/only macro lens I would suggest getting the longest focal length because this is easier for bugs, although 70 doubles better as a portrait lens.

You really cannot go wrong with most macro lenses, almost all are excellent...

[axl]

I have 105 too. Awsame lens. Yes, it could focus tad faster, but the IQ makes up for it. It's fine wether you use it as macro or as telephoto. It's beautifly sharp and controls CA&PF very well. I read that 70 is showing more of PF in contrasty situations...but on the other hand it should be sharper...
BR

[Peter Zack]

Here's a sample shot I took 30 minutes ago with the Sigma 105mm K20D ISO 200 1/8th f16 Handheld. I couldn't use a tripod
as this guy was there and gone in 20 seconds. No cropping or other enhancements other than to resize the shot for the web.

[Quicksand]

Ok guys, I see it's ok to post about third party lenses, so let me hit it off.

You can talk about any lens you want here, as long as it attaches to a Pentax SLR (even if you have to use duct tape).

[Maffer]

Heh, I'm also after a macro lens and this Sigma 70mm has been high on my list for a while. Now that I checked out jsherman999's pics and all the praise from the review thread this 'lil bugger seems to be the winner. Waiting for the next payday...

Here are a few non macro shots with the 105 if you're interested.
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/317582-post1.html

[ll_coffee_lP]

Sigma 70mm is my favourite lens (over my 77ltd, FA50 1.4 even). The images it creates are stunning sharp, it focuses fast, the bokeh is awesome, it meters better than any lens I've ever used, I've noticed no PF at all (ever), doubles very well as a portrait lens, and it tastes good when you lick it (j/k).

I think you will be more than happy with either choice. Pick the one with the focal length that would better suit you and enjoy.

c[_]

[Maffer]

Here are a few non macro shots with the 105 if you're interested.
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/317582-post1.html

Ahh! The one with the sun is absolutely stunning pic. Lots of fine uses for these Sigmas.

[Peter Zack]

Gary I must agree. I had not seen that thread and the 2nd shot is excellent. Beautiful image in every way. Damn good flare control too pointing the lens into the sun.

Ahh! The one with the sun is absolutely stunning pic. Lots of fine uses for these Sigmas.

Gary I must agree. I had not seen that thread and the 2nd shot is excellent. Beautiful image in every way. Damn good flare control too pointing the lens into the sun.

Thanks guys